Reportage: Belgium King’s Day Reception 2017

On 14 November, 2017, the Belgian Consulate General in Hong Kong hosted a reception in celebration of its King’s Day.

Leading the celebration was Belgian Consul General Michele Deneffe, who lauded a thriving bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Belgium in the year 2017 while diamonds still represent more than 70% of bilateral exports and imports between the two economies. In particular, four weekly direct flights between Hong Kong and Brussels will start operating by Cathay Pacific from 25 March, 2018.

Deneffe also highlighted a series of ongoing business and cultural events organised by Belgian groups in Hong Kong as she made a special shout out for the World of Tintin exhibition which will take place from 17 November to 26 December, 2017, in Taikoo Place.

The Consul General then moved on and expressed her appreciation to Chief Executive Carrie Lam for her maiden Policy Address, praising it as “a source of inspiration” for business opportunities in technology, creative and health industries. She ended her welcoming speech with a note on Belgium’s aspirations in Hong Kong’s democratic development and rule of law.

“[The rule of law] is indeed of paramount importance not only for the rights for Hong Kong residents, but also for the long term confidence of the business community and therefore for the future economic prosperity of Hong Kong,” Deneffe said.

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While showing his admiration for Belgian chocolate and beer (instead of diamonds which he claimed to know nothing), Financial Secretary Paul Chan, the guest of honour, made a quick response to Deneffe’s closing remarks: “The rule of law has been a cornerstone of our success. While we don’t have the largest Court of Justice in the world as Belgium does. I can assure you that Hong Kong will spare no effort in safeguarding our rule of law and endeavour to further strengthen our competitive as a centre for internal legal and dispute resolution services centre.”

Alex Fok is a Harbour Times journalist monitoring Hong Kong’s daily political scene and diplomatic updates. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Economics, Politics and International Studies from University of Warwick and his master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is a former committee member of the Warwick-based Hong Kong Public Affairs and Social Service Society (WHKPASS) and was the chief editor of the society’s magazine – PASSTIMES.